Howard County Launches App to Combat Cyberbullying

On any social networking site, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another, cyberbullying can brew up easily and quickly. Howard County, MD, is going to launch a mobile app so that students can report instances of cyberbullying as quickly as they appear.
In the past, reports of bullying usually resulted in “witch hunt” for the “snitch.” Students would be harassed, teased, and sometimes even hurt.
Many believe that this new app, that allows for real-time reporting of bullying, could save lives. One 15-year-old, who committed suicide as a result of constant bullying, could have been saved if an authority figure could have been anonymously notified of the bullying. Her mother is now hopeful for the future.
The app is used in over 500 schools around the country and reports incidents to school leaders and possibly police, given the severity and danger that could be involved. This app, which was part of a $250,000 social media program launched by Howard County, will launch in the fall of 2013, just in time for the beginning of the school year.